Aug. 31, 2005

NEWS Confidential to all Francophiles left wondering where in the world they'd get their cassoulet after Wallingford's Au Bouchon closed abruptly in May: The answer is Capitol Hill; Chef Christian Potvin is now in the kitchen at XO Bistro. Field Roast, produced by David Lee's Georgetown-based Field Roast Grain Meat Company, is one of nine nominees for Favorite Faux Meat in VegNews magazine's 2005 Veggie Awards, a reader survey that includes 39 herbivore-oriented categories. (The online ballot is located at www.vegnews.com; all votes must be received by Thursday, Sept. 1.) Seattle earned two other nominations: Madison Park's Cafe Flora is up for Best Brunch Spot, and Seattle is a nominee for Favorite Veg-Friendly City. Food and/or beverage news? E-mail food@seattleweekly.com Advance registration or reservations are recommended for most of the following events. Prices exclusive of tax and gratuity unless otherwise noted. ON THE PLATE Now The modern Thai restaurant and bar, Toi, has extended its dining hours and closes the kitchen at midnight on Monday through Friday, and at 11 p.m. on Saturday. The entire menu is available, as are all appetizers and, of course, their large array of cocktails. 1904 Fourth Ave., 206-267-1017. DOWNTOWN All of September The second annual Dinner at 8 celebrates 26 of Seattle's restaurants with a special dinner menu featuring three courses with a selection of starters, entrées, and desserts for $20 (doesn't include drinks, tax, or gratuity). Many of the restaurants from last year like Ten Mercer, the Cellar Bistro, and Bick's Broadview Grill are returning, and other restaurants like Dulces Latin Bistro and Ibiza Dinner Club have been added for this year. For a full list of participating restaurants visit www.seattleweekly.com/dinnerat8. Saturday, Sept. 3 The Magnolia Farmers Market will host Ludger Szmania of Szmania's Restaurant as he makes an original dish (which you will be able to sample) following specific guidelines: The dish has to be made entirely from fresh market products, has to feed a family of four, and must be under $10. 11 a.m., Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W. MAGNOLIA The Spanish Table celebrates its 10th anniversary with chef/owner Steve Winston demonstrating his impressive skills with Spanish rice. Grab a plate and enjoy some for yourself at this annual paella fiesta! Free. Begins at 1 p.m., 1427 Western Ave., 206-682-2827. PIKE PLACE MARKET Friday, Sept. 9 Ten Mercer is hosting a Winemakers Dinner with Kym Davey of Australia's Davey Family Vineyards. 2004 Red Knot Shiraz (McLaren Vale) and 2004 Pink Knot Rose (McLaren Vale) will be served, as will grilled opah salad, chipotle rubbed New York steak, tiramisu, and a variety of wines appropriately paired with each course. $65/person. 10 Mercer St., 206-691-3723 or www.tenmercer.com. QUEEN ANNE Sunday, Sept. 11 Check out the Incredible Feast Where the Farmers are the Stars at the West Seattle farmers market. Seventeen farmers will partner with 17 local chefs and create original dishes for guests to sample. There will also be food-inspired games, music, and the opportunity to purchase local wine and beer. All proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Farmers Market Alliance. $35/adult, $5/child. 4–7 p.m., California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street, 206-728-4220. WEST SEATTLE Monday, Sept. 12 Support Marc Papineau, sommelier at Earth & Ocean restaurant, in his fight against throat cancer by attending this fund-raising dinner. This coursed wine dinner is coordinated by the manager of Earth & Ocean, John O'Brien. It will feature chefs from Le Pichet, Harvest Vine, Lark, and Earth & Ocean among others, and sommeliers from Rover's, Campagne, Acme Wine, Teahouse Kuan Yin, and Whitehouse-Crawford (just to name a few). Activities include a silent auction, a raffle of wine and food packages, and music from the jazz group Far Corner. $100 donation/person. 6 p.m. Lisa Dupar's Julep, 2022 Boren Ave., 206-464-3050 for reservations. DOWNTOWN Wednesday, Sept. 14 35th Street Bistro hosts an informal and informative wine dinner for those wanting to learn more about wines from the La Champagne region. A six-course meal will be prepared by chef Steve Smrstik, and will include tuna tartar, lobster salad, pan seared monkfish, foie gras, veal scaloppini, and fig and triple cream-cheese tartlet, all paired with various wines. of course. $100/person. 6 p.m., 709 N. 35th St., 206-547-9850. FREMONT THE GRAPEVINE Saturday, Sept. 3 Enjoy a Zinfandel wine tasting at Esquin Wine Merchants, with a variety of wines available to whet your palette. Free. 1–4 p.m., 2700 Fourth Ave., S., 206-682-7374. SODO Wednesday, Sept. 7 Bandoleone will pour regional Iberian white wines at this monthly informal wine tasting. And while sipping, you can munch on Bandoleone's tapas or other Latin dishes. $14/person. Begins at 5:50 p.m., 703 N. 34th St., 206-329-7559. FREMONT Sunday, Sept. 11 Celebrate the harvest season at Chateau Ste Michelle with Festival of the Grapes where you can taste wines and sample various artisan cheeses and chocolates. Join in the Grape Stomp or just kick back and listen to the history of the winery and learn about the secrets of winemaking. Also on the agenda: live music and an art walk featuring members of Cottage Lake Artists Guild. $25/person includes tasting, festivities, and a logo wine glass. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m., 14111 N.E. 145th St., 425-415-3300. WOODINVILLE Every Sunday, Sept. 11–Sept. 25 Learn about wines from all over Italy with Sommelier Arnie Millan. The first class will cover the southern region of Italy with wines from Sicily to Sardinia, the second class covers the central area from Tuscany to Abruzzi, and the third class will explore northern Italy with wines from Piedmont, Lombardy and other regions. $49/person per class or $135 for the series. 4–6 p.m., except 9/25 which is from 1–3 p.m., Warwick Hotel, 401 Lenora St., 206-612-6547. DOWNTOWN BACK TO SCHOOL Tuesday, Aug. 30–Tuesday, Sept. 13 Go back to school this fall and learn everything you ever wanted to know about the Fundamentals of Winemaking, from theories to processes and materials. These five sessions at South Seattle Community College on Tuesdays and Thursdays not only supply you with knowledge, but aim to enhance your winemaking confidence. Course is $75/person, materials supplied. 5:30–8:30 p.m. 6000 16th Ave. S.W., 206-764-5339. WEST SEATTLE Thursday, Sept. 1 Use that late summer produce to make soups to welcome autumn. Cumin-scented carrot puree with roasted poblano chile cream, Italian bean and pasta soup, and Cuban black bean stew with ham hock, orange, and cilantro will be on the menu. $25/person. 6–8 p.m., Bon Vivant is located at 4925 N.E. 86th St., but classes may be at various locations. Call 206-525-7537 or visit www.bon-vivant.com for more information and to register. LAKE CITY Sunday, Sept. 4 An underrated but essential skill is seasoning your dishes! And Salud!'s Cooking Basics: Salt and Pepper (How to Season Like a Chef) is here to teach proper seasoning techniques, including how to choose the right kind of salt and pepper, and how to find the perfect combination of sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and spicy. $25/person. 5–8 p.m., Whole Foods Market Bellevue, 888 116th Ave. N.E., 425-462-1400. BELLEVUE Saturday, Sept. 10 Cuizam!'s Delicious Pies: It's All About the Crust teaches students how to craft pies using tricks of the trade, and then hone their skills at making and baking. Take a pie home with you, and some pie crust that can be used for future desserts. $75/person (but your spouse can show up for free). 6–9 p.m., 11200 Kirkland Wy., Suite 220, 425-822-1767. KIRKLAND